Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced forklift to have received lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving program is finished as well as periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. Also, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo using the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not turn. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that drivers who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the kind of setting that they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom would offer lift truck and driver information for the truck you will be operating. Most training would cover certain aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any forklift specific safety information like where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The lift truck operator has to learn how to utilize the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in a place that reflects the environment the driver will be driving in. This atmosphere must include the kind of terrain she would be traveling on, have similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures nearby as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.